How to Get a US Police Clearance for Your Australian Visa – Step-by-Step Guide

If you are applying for an Australian visa, such as a partner visa, skilled migration, or protection visa, you may be required to provide a police clearance from the United States of America (USA). This US Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) demonstrates that you have no criminal record in the USA.

Whether you are an American citizen, a US resident, or a non-resident who has lived in the United States, this guide will help you get your FBI Identity History Summary and US state police clearances for your Australian visa application.

Step 1: Identify the Type of US Police Clearance Required

For Australian immigration, you may need:

1. FBI Identity History Summary (Rap Sheet) – Covers federal criminal records in the United States and is widely accepted for Australian visa applications.
2. US State or Territory Police Clearance – Required for applicants residing in the USA. You must obtain a clearance from each state or territory where you have lived for at least 3 months in the last 12 months.

Additionally, Non-US residents who have not lived in the USA for 3+ months in the last 12 months only need the FBI Identity History Summary.

In this blog, we cover how to obtain the FBI Identity History Summary (Rap Sheet).

Method 1 – Online Through EDO Website 

Step 1 – Go to the Website https://www.edo.cjis.gov/

Step 2 – From the list of “Available Services” click Learn More under “Obtaining Your Identity History Summary”.

Step 3 – Next, under “Submit a Request: enter your email address to start the Identity History Summary Check Process!

Step 4 – After that, go to your nominated email, you will receive an email from Criminal Justice Information Services with a link to access your request and a pin number.

Step 5 – Click the link to access your request

Step 6 – You will be directed to the EDO website. Click continue.

Step 7 – Enter the pin provided

Step 8 – Accept the privacy policy and click continue

Step 9 – Provide your Personal Information, Mailing Address.

Step 10 – Under preferences, choose yes for social security number, yes for date of birth, and yes for status notifications.

Step 11 – The Fingerprint Card section provides information about where to send your completed fingerprint, along with a copy of your confirmation email.

Step 12 – Make Payment (approx $18 USD per person)

Step 13 – Submit your fingerprint card after you have submitted your payment and received your confirmation e-mail.

Note

The FBI will send the Identity History Summary directly to you, which you can upload via ImmiAccount. Alternatively, your preferred FBI-approved channeler may receive the electronic summary check result and share it with you.

Step-By-Step Guide to Fingerprints for US Police Clearence 

Step 1 – Choose your fingerprinting method

You can get your fingerprints taken:

a) At a local police station or authorised fingerprinting agency in the USA
b) at a local police station in Australia

Please note the U.S. consulate is unable to take the ink-rolled fingerprints that the FBI requires. 

Step 2 – Prepare the Required Documents 

Valid Identification

1. Provide a current passport or US government-issued ID.

Fingerprint Form

1. Complete Fingerprint Form FD-1164 accurately.
2. Submit a current fingerprint card. Previously processed cards or photocopies will not be accepted.
3. Include your full name and date of birth on the fingerprint card.
4. Provide rolled impressions of all 10 fingerprints.
5. Also include flat/plain impressions of all 10 fingers, taken at the same time.
6. If possible, have your fingerprints taken by a professional fingerprinting technician, such as those available at law enforcement agencies (e.g., local police if applying from Australia).
7. Fingerprints taken with ink or live scan are acceptable.
8. If using a live scan device, generate a hard copy of the fingerprint card to mail to the FBI.
9. Ensure all fingerprints are clearly legible.
10. For more information, refer to the Recording Friction Ridges module.
11. For more information, refer to the Recording Friction Ridges module.
12. If fingerprints are not legible, the fingerprint card will be rejected. This could cause delays in processing and could also result in additional fees.
13. The name on your FBI response letter will match the name entered on your electronic Identity History Summary request.
14. If the last four digits of your Social Security number are required on the response letter, include either the full nine-digit SSN or the last four digits on the fingerprint card.
15. Review the Identity History Summary Request Checklist to ensure that you have included everything FBI need to process your request.
16. Mail your completed fingerprint card along with a copy of your confirmation email to the address below

FBI CJIS Division
ATTN: ELECTRONIC SUMMARY REQUEST
100 CUSTER HOLLOW ROAD
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA 26306

Method 2 – Via Mail (Post)

Step 1 – Download the Application Form (Identity History Summary Request Form)

Tips for success:

1. If the request is for a couple, family, etc., each person must complete and sign a form.
2. Include a complete mailing address.
3. Provide your phone number and e-mail address, if available.
4. Do not send a self-addressed envelope. This includes pre-paid Priority Mail, FedEx account numbers, United Parcel Service, etc., foreign postage coupons, and requests to forward correspondence to the Department of State for the apostille process.

Step 2 – Complete the Identity History Summary Request Form

Step 3 – Payment – Choose the payment type ( Certified Check, Money Order, Credit Card Form).

1. Credit Card Form (easiest option) – Download and complete the Credit Card Form. 
2. Money Order or Certified Check for $18 U.S. dollars made payable to the Treasury of the United States. Sign where required.

Step 4 – Complete the fingerprint card as explained above

Step 5 – Review the Identity History Summary Request Checklist to ensure that you have included everything FBI need to process your request.

Step 6 – Mail the signed requestor information form, fingerprint card, and payment of $18 U.S. dollars (using one of the three methods above) to the following address:

FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, West Virginia 26306

Note

The FBI will send the Identity History Summary directly to you, which you can upload via ImmiAccount. Alternatively, your preferred FBI-approved channeler may receive the electronic summary check result and share it with you.

Method 3 – Via FBI-Approved Channeler (for US Citizens & US lawful permanent resident only)

The Department of Home Affairs has approved the following channelers for penal checks for immigration purposes:

1. Accurate Biometrics
2. National Credit Reporting – myFBIreport.com
3. National Background Check Inc. – nationalbackgroundcheck.com
4. Telos Identity Management Solutions – LLC www.telosid.com​

How FBI-approved channelers work ?

FBI-approved channelers:

1. receive your fingerprint submission and relevant data
2. collect the fee(s)
3. forward your fingerprint submission with the necessary information to the FBI for a national Identity History Summary check
4. receive the electronic summary check result and share it with you

The process for making a request through a channeler is consistent with FBI submission steps. The channeler may have different methods for you to submit your information to them.

You may also have to pay an additional fee to use a channeler. Contact each channeler for costs, processing times, and availability in your area. If you are interested in using a channeler, the channeler can provide you with complete information and instructions.

Payment Questions

1. Can I pay with personal checks, business checks, or cash?
No. The FBI does not accept personal checks, business checks, or cash for Identity History Summary (DO) requests. Any checks submitted will not be returned and will be destroyed.

2. How much does it cost to request an Identity History Summary?
The fee is $18 per request.

3. Do I need to pay $18 for each copy if I want multiple copies?

1. If you select a mailed hard copy, the FBI provides one sealed response per request. You can make additional copies from that response.
2. For electronic submissions, you can print as many copies as needed.
3. If you need additional sealed responses mailed, you must submit a separate request with a new $18 payment for each sealed response.

4. What if I cannot pay the $18 fee?

If you cannot pay the fee, contact the FBI at (304) 625-5590 or identity@fbi.gov for instructions on requesting a fee waiver before submitting your request.

5. Is the cost the same for mail and electronic requests?

Yes. The $18 fee applies whether you request your Identity History Summary by mail or electronically.

6. Can someone else pay for my Identity History Summary?

Yes. Another person can pay on your behalf by providing the payment information during the request process.

Fingerprint Questions

1. Where can I have my fingerprints taken?

1. Electronic submissions: You can visit any participating U.S. Post Office nationwide to submit your fingerprints electronically. Additional fees may apply.
2. Mail submissions: Local, county, or state law enforcement agencies can take fingerprints for a fee. Some private fingerprinting companies also offer this service.

2. What if my fingerprints are repeatedly rejected?

1. Have multiple sets of fingerprints taken, ideally by a professional fingerprinting technician.
2. This service may be available at law enforcement agencies.
3. Mail all fingerprint cards with your request to the FBI.
4. For tips on getting clear fingerprints, refer to the Recording Legible Fingerprints guidelines.
5. Note: The FBI does not provide name checks for Identity History Summary requests.

3. Can I use the fingerprint card downloaded from the FBI website?

Yes. The FBI accepts FD-1164 fingerprint cards printed on standard white paper. If you are fingerprinted at a law enforcement or private agency, they may prefer standard card stock. You may also use the fingerprint card provided by the agency.

4. Can I use a fingerprint card from a previous Identity History Summary request?

No. The FBI requires a current fingerprint card for each new Identity History Summary request.

5. Will my fingerprint card be returned?

No. Fingerprint cards are not returned due to privacy and security concerns, whether or not an Identity History Summary is issued.

General Questions 

1. Will I receive my Identity History Summary on blue security paper?

No. All Identity History Summary results are printed on standard white paper due to automation of the mailing process. Blue security paper is no longer used.

2. Are there expedited processing options for Identity History Summary requests?

No. The FBI does not expedite requests. However, electronically submitted requests may be processed faster. All requests are handled in the order they are received.

3. Will the last four digits of my Social Security number appear on my response?

If the last four digits are required, ensure your full nine-digit or last four digits of your Social Security number are included on the fingerprint card when submitting your request.

4. How will I receive my Identity History Summary?

1. Mail submissions: Returned by U.S. First-Class Mail via the Postal Service.
2. Electronic submissions: You will receive an electronic response with an option to request a hard copy by mail.

5. Can I include a self-addressed stamped envelope?

No. Due to the automated mailing process, the FBI does not accept self-addressed stamped envelopes for Departmental Order requests.

6. Does the FBI provide apostilles?

No. The FBI no longer affixes its seal for apostille purposes. Instead:

1. All results are authenticated with an FBI watermark and the signature of a division official.
2. If an apostille is needed, the authenticated documents must be sent to the U.S. Department of State by the requester.
3. Requests to authenticate previously processed results are not accepted.

7. When should I use the “In Care Of (C/O)” or “Attention (ATTN)” fields?

1. C/O: Use when sending results to someone who will deliver them to the intended recipient.
2. ATTN: Use when sending results to an organization to ensure they reach the correct person within that organization.

8. Do I need an attorney release if a lawyer submits my request?
Yes. You must submit a signed attorney release form so the FBI can provide information to a third party.

9. How can law enforcement request certified copies of fingerprints or Identity History Summaries?
Law enforcement entities can request certified copies, but individuals cannot. For more information, visit the Certified Copies of Fingerprint and/or Identity History Summaries page.

Challenging Your Identity History Summary – FAQs

1. How can I challenge my Identity History Summary?

You can review the process and submit a challenge by following the Challenge of an Identity History Summary procedure outlined by the FBI.

2. What is the processing time for a challenge?

The FBI handles challenges in the order they receive them. On average, they respond within 45 days of receiving your challenge.

3. Is there a fee to challenge my Identity History Summary?

No. Challenging your Identity History Summary is free of charge.

4. How can I have my summary information expunged?

1. Non-federal arrest data: Contact the State Identification Bureau in the state where the offense occurred. Expungement laws vary by state.
2. Federal arrest data: The submitting agency or a federal court can request the FBI to remove federal arrest data from the Criminal File through an expungement order.. The submitting agency must ensure compliance with federal laws and regulations.

5. Can I challenge information if I haven’t received a copy of my Identity History Summary?

No. The FBI requires positive identification before releasing or discussing information. The FBI uses fingerprint impressions to verify that the requestor is the correct individual. The FBI will not provide summary information based on a descriptor search.

6. Do I need to submit supporting documentation for my challenge?

Yes. Your request should clearly identify the information you believe is incorrect or incomplete. Include copies of any supporting documentation, such as court records or expungement orders, to substantiate your claim.

Disclaimer:

We provide this blog for general informational purposes only and do not provide legal advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information on obtaining US Police Clearance for Australian visa applications, immigration laws and procedures are subject to change. Applicants should consult the official FBI website, the US Department of State, or a qualified immigration lawyer for advice specific to their circumstances. Emigrate Lawyers is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of this information.